Featured Program: THEATER VOLUNTEER PROGRAM INDIA

Project Availabilities: All year round – Dates are flexible you can choose your own start and finish date.

Requirements: We don’t need any qualification for this project. Volunteers must have lots of love & enthusiasm for the project.

Location: Jaipur, India.

Project Activities: Organize the program, making & design the set, teach children in acting/drama & dance, help teachers in the performance of children & Work on other things which needs to organize the program.

Working Days: Monday-Friday. On Weekend we arrange sightseeing tours for volunteers to visit famous tourist spots in Jaipur.

Do you have a passion for Theatre, travelling and helping young children? With VWI we offer people like you the fantastic opportunity to teach underprivileged young children living in the iconic Pink City of Jaipur. During your time on the programme you will be placed in a local school or orphanage where you’ll have the freedom to create and organise your very own programme. Volunteers in the past have put on plays, taught dance routines, made masks/puppets and facilitated scenes from well-known scripts. Volunteers may also wish to consider teaching core performance techniques (acting, singing, dancing), teaching scenes from musicals or teaching children how to make their own costumes. Volunteers are expected to arrive fully prepared with a plan of what they’re going to teach; they may also wish to bring props and costumes, but the main things to bring are ideas and enthusiasm.
There is a lack of free, quality education in Jaipur and little theatre education. The children you will be teaching don’t usually receive theatre education, so all will be inexperienced and some will be shy. Furthermore, many of the children in the schools are children from difficult backgrounds; therefore volunteers who can find a balance between sensitivity and fun are perfect for these children who aren’t given the chance to experience the excitement of education. The beauty of this programme is that we find the children’s confidence, happiness and unity increases as the programme progresses and their hope for the future becomes a real possibility.

WORK FOR VOLUNTEERS

You will be giving training to help children for their local performance such as teaching theater, to improve focus, making the set, design them, music selection, making the masks and organize the program for children. We don’t need an expert actor, director or an artist we just want from our volunteer to offer love to children, to make them good theater actors and to help the ones that are talented but they are shy or just not able to bring it out. We expect the volunteers to offer good help and to be good teachers in the workshops. Volunteers can also work with the children in rural areas, so they can arrange to put in play a drama with them. This helps build confidence for them and makes them be more united and see the future with more hope and joy. Also, volunteers can put in play dramas with the kids from the orphanages that the organization works with. The children in orphanages are always eager to learn new things and this shows them the fun part of life, at the end of the day children fall asleep with a smile on their faces because their talents get to be discovered and enhanced while having fun. Volunteers can choose where to develop the theater program; whether it’s orphanage, street children shelter, local school or in the women empowerment program, it will be very rewarding to see a project complete. Read Our –Volunteers Stories & Reviews about the Program.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR PROGRAM

There are no specific qualifications required to be a part of the Theatre programme. You don’t have to be a professional performer or teacher; all we’re after are confident individuals with a passion for helping young children and spreading love, joy and knowledge of performance. Individuals who do have experience in performing or teaching are very welcomed. Moreover, volunteers who wish to increase their own experience of teaching and knowledge of Indian culture are also embraced.

WHAT YOU WILL GAIN FROM THIS PROJECT

>An experience with children who will appreciate everything you teach and share with them.

>A feeling of immense fulfillment and happiness that you’ve helped children who are less privileged than yourself.

>An experience which will look fantastic on your CV for future work prospects (having worked in a developing country.)

>A Lifetime membership with VWI after completion of your project!

Volunteer Teaching Video

VWI makes arrangements for room, food and transportation for the volunteers, from the first day of the volunteer’s arrival in Jaipur, India. Volunteers will be living with the Indian Host Family. You will be having your own room at the host family house which can be shared by the same gender volunteer in the program. Our host families are carefully screened and selected based on VWI requirements. Host families are experience in the realm of hosting international travelers from last 10 years. The accommodation and meals provided at the host family will be basic. You will be getting 3 Meals per day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner), traditional but very nutritious. The meals serves at the accommodation are the everyday meals which are eaten by the Indian Families. This is how the program has made to make you feel and Live Like a Local. However if you are not able to adjust with the Indian meals or need more nutrition/protein/special diet in your meals you can arrange by your own from the near by local market. Staying with Host family will give you the opportunity to learn about Indian Life, meet the locals, try local food, speak local language and make yourself to immerse in local customs and traditions. The host family members are able to communicate in English and are very friendly with volunteers. There is internet connection facility also available at Host Family. You will have a very good access through computer & by Wi-Fi access. We also arrange transportation facility for volunteers which will everyday pick you to project site and drop to your home when you finish work. You will have everyday auto-rickshaw (tuk-tuk) ride for Transportation. You will be required to pay extra direct to the host family for Internet Connection (200 INR weekly) and mineral water bottle (20 INR per bottle)

Shopping and supplies There are many shops near the accommodation where volunteers can go and buy stuff for their requirements. The accommodation facility in the main city area of Jaipur so it’s easy to buy anything as shops are in walking distance. If a volunteer wants to go in Branded Shopping mall they need to take a Taxi ( Tuk- Tuk ). When our taxi driver is not taking them to the project site, he can be hired by volunteers to take them to the Branded Shopping mall, but they have to pay him.

Day 1: On day 1 you will arrive in Jaipur, where you will be picked up from the airport by one of our VWI staff members who will welcome you into the Pink City. You will then be transferred to your Host family accommodation where we’ll introduce you to the family and settle you into your room. You will then be briefed on the all of the facilities/shops nearby, rules and regulations and anything else you need to know about living with your host family and living as a tourist in Jaipur. You will also receive an overview of your chosen project (your working day schedule, what to expect as a volunteer and any do’s and don’ts.) The remainder of the day is yours to relax and overcome any jet lag!

Day 2 to working days: You will be transported to your project site where you will meet your project co-ordinator (who will always be there to help and guide you.) You’ll also be welcomed by the children and anyone else you’ll become familiar with who works at the site, all of whom are always delighted to meet volunteers. You will then be in charge and you are free to commence with your organised activities! Additionally to the theatre based activities you will have prepared for the children, volunteers are asked to teach approximately 1 hour of English a day (in most cases their level of English is good considering Hindi is their first language.) It is also recommended that volunteers have a sizeable selection of fun games to start and finish the day with-as these are a brilliant way of allowing everyone to open up and get to know one another!

Weekends: The weekends are yours to relax and experience Jaipur. Every weekend VWI organise optional sightseeing tours of the wondrous, historical places the Pink City has to offer. Weekends also provide volunteers with the fantastic opportunity to spend time with other volunteers they’ll be living with, who may not be on the same programme as themselves.

Add on Tour Package: For volunteers who want even more, they can choose to join one of our tour packages to finish off their time in India! If you’re wishing to explore India more, our tours are the perfect way to enhance your experience. Volunteers can decide between our ‘Elephants in Jaipur Tour’, our ‘Wildlife with Taj Mahal Tour’, our ‘Golden Triangle Tour’ or our ‘Taj Mahal and Ranthambore Trip’.

Program Dates : All year round – Dates are flexible you can choose your own start and finish date.

What's included:

Pre-departure information and support by email/phone.

Arrival Pick up service from Jaipur, India Airport.

Transfer to your accommodation

Accommodation and 3 Meals per day.

Transport to and from your project.

Program relevant materials.

Local in-country team support and backup.

Weekend Sightseeing’s

What's not included:

Flights,

Insurance,

Cost of Visas,

Return transfer to the airport.

From the first day arriving in Jaipur I was made to feel very welcome by the staff of VWI and the Host Family. On the first day at the school I was initially nervous but the children were all so lovely and keen to learn. My 2 weeks were filled with puppet making as I had organized puppet show with the children on the last day of my volunteering. I organized 3 program for children. All these programs made me feel very proud and also sad that my time was... Read More

From the first day arriving in Jaipur I was made to feel very welcome by the staff of VWI and the Host Family. On the first day at the school I was initially nervous but the children were all so lovely and keen to learn. My 2 weeks were filled with puppet making as I had organized puppet show with the children on the last day of my volunteering. I organized 3 program for children. All these programs made me feel very proud and also sad that my time was at end. I loved my time in Jaipur, met some great people, had some amazing food, saw the incredible sights in & around the city and even managed to watching a Bollywood movie in at Raj Mandir.
The reason to choose VWI that I wanted to do something involving theatre which is how I find VWI site in internet. There were great reviews and as you were based in Jaipur I felt you were better involved with the projects over a Company based in the UK.
Project Staff Members were great from the first of my email query sent in VWI office. Excellent communication skills in team members. Project Coordinator was very helpful both in the school and for any other info I needed. Transport was great always on time and always more than to stop and pick up anything needed on the way. Accommodation was fabulous. Made me to feel very welcome and they were amazing in helping with everything. Food was also excellent and always more if wanted it.
I would defiantly recommend the project for anyone with a passion for theatre as it has been so rewarding sharing mine with the children here. 10 out of 10 for my overall experience and satisfaction.

KELLY BANNISTER, U.K

info@kellybannister.co.uk

I did not know what to expect and was a little nervous to begin with. But everyone made it very easy. The Children were an inspiration and it was a pleasure to attend and teach them all. I bonded very quickly and it was hard to say goodbye and my tears almost came when one Boy was upset that I was leaving. I would thank everyone to grab this opportunity with both hands. It is Amazing I would like to give 10 out of 10 marks to VWI. I have... Read More

I did not know what to expect and was a little nervous to begin with. But everyone made it very easy. The Children were an inspiration and it was a pleasure to attend and teach them all. I bonded very quickly and it was hard to say goodbye and my tears almost came when one Boy was upset that I was leaving. I would thank everyone to grab this opportunity with both hands. It is Amazing I would like to give 10 out of 10 marks to VWI. I have learned so much and had the best experience. I hope to come again soon. The project staff members were very helpful and Govind was a Big Help to assist me with theater teaching for children. Transportation services Brilliant! The Taxi was always on time and the driver very friendly with always smile on his face. The accommodation was very nice and the family was very friendly. The Food was very good and enjoyable. I definitely recommend Theater Project for future volunteers.

STEVE HUGHES, U.K

hughessteve2003@yahoo.co.uk

My time in Jaipur, India was fantastic! On my very first day of arriving in Jaipur (from England) I had the Theatre Volunteering programme explained to me and details about when I would be picked up the next day to begin. Sure enough, I was picked up the following day by my designated tuk tuk driver, who was an absolute hero from day 1-so lovely and helpful, he would stop off anywhere on the way for food etc and he even introduced myself and some of the other volunteers to... Read More

My time in Jaipur, India was fantastic! On my very first day of arriving in Jaipur (from England) I had the Theatre Volunteering programme explained to me and details about when I would be picked up the next day to begin. Sure enough, I was picked up the following day by my designated tuk tuk driver, who was an absolute hero from day 1-so lovely and helpful, he would stop off anywhere on the way for food etc and he even introduced myself and some of the other volunteers to his family.

Upon arriving at the school where I would be volunteering I was a little surprised how poor the area was. The days in Jaipur were filled with acquiring various materials from the local markets to make costumes, accessories and props. I also brought paper for scripts and paint to make scenery. After I had made these, I felt more ready to teach the children as they were subsequently very excited when I turned up with bright colours and silly plastic props they could play around with. I had decided before traveling to India that alongside suitable interactive games I knew and had researched, I would teach them two scripts for them to learn, act out and perform. One was a script from a popular children’s story ‘We’re going on a bear hunt’ and one was the script of Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’ which I adapted for the children’s age group (2-15 yrs old.) Both stories were fun to act out, were very interactive with multiple parts and had lines that were easy to pronounce and learn. The great aspect of this programme is that you are free to arrange whatever theatre programme you like and can teach the children whatever it is you may specialise in or have an interest in. Additionally, the children were a delight to teach, so friendly and enthusiastic! Just make sure you come fully prepared!

At the end of my programme, the children were able to perform what they had learnt to an invited audience (this consisted of the project coordinators, the teaching assistants, other volunteers whom I lived with and myself.) I also filmed the performances, which overall made it a brilliant experience for the children who had all developed in confidence and awareness of English and British Art.

During the rest of my month in Jaipur I had the opportunity to experience Indian culture right in the heart of the Pink City. I experienced the way a traditional Indian family operates (from living with an authentic family who’s values, class system and importance of religion contrast starkly to the European way of life), to experiencing various Indian festivals and visiting Indian monuments, architecture and places of interest. These included the famous Amer fort, the monkey temple the Hawa Mahal, the City Palace, and the Jal Mahal (the floating Palace)-all very beautiful with interesting historical stories attached. Additionally to this, I was lucky enough to book myself on to the company’s Golden Triangle tour package which I completed after my time in Jaipur. This included travelling to the City of Agra where on the way we stopped off at Fatehpur Sikri and then the next day I got to see the incredible Taj Mahal, a sight I will always cherish and never forget. I then visited the Red Fort of Agra, a truly fascinating building. The next day, I traveled on to New Delhi where we visited the Indian Gate and the Buddhist Temple-again wonderful experiences.

I would thoroughly recommend the Theatre Volunteering programme in Jaipur as it is a life changing adventure and an experience which really opened my eyes to a way of life so different to my own.

Rosie Evans, U.K

rosieevans281@btinternet.com

The arrival pick up service was very good. The accommodation and food was basic but nice. Totoram the tum-tuk driver was wonderful andvery friendly. I enjoyed going around in the tuk-tuk. Project staff members were great and very helpful. Enjoyed their company and visiting their houses + meeting their families. I really enjoyed my time in Jaipur and playing games + teaching drama to children. It was hard work as the children were all rescued from factories or violet homes and had no experience with drama; found it very strange.... Read More

The arrival pick up service was very good. The accommodation and food was basic but nice. Totoram the tum-tuk driver was wonderful andvery friendly. I enjoyed going around in the tuk-tuk. Project staff members were great and very helpful. Enjoyed their company and visiting their houses + meeting their families. I really enjoyed my time in Jaipur and playing games + teaching drama to children. It was hard work as the children were all rescued from factories or violet homes and had no experience with drama; found it very strange. The children at the center were very eager to learn whenever i teach something for any act. During my time here i taught them act of blind children for how to sense. The program coordinator is a big help as the children do not understand English. Teaching music drama to these children will be memorable for me lifetime. Must do it.

MOLLY HADDON, AUSTRALIA

molly_haddon@hotmail.com

The family, accommodation and food was amazing. Arrival pick up service and transportation service during project was great. Our project coordinator was very nice. I decide to volunteer with VWI to help and experience. I would like to give 10 out 10 for my overall experience and satisfaction. It’s a great experience. You need to use your own initiative so you can’t be shy. You are very much looked after.

MADDY BANKS, U.K

Overall I have really enjoyed my time here and it has been an experience I will not forget. I would give 10 out 9 for my experience & satisfaction. I have decided to volunteer with VWI as I wanted to gain experience of Living in India whilst offering help to teach theatre to the children. The host family were very kind + welcoming, food was good. Transportation was quick, Govind was very helpful + willing to take part – he was a great help.

HARLEY HENSEN, U.K

THEATRE VOLUNTEER WORK

Have spent many years in India and wanted my son Harley to experience life here. We were surprised how volunteers are so needed. We are glad to help in a small way for a huge project. I would recommend everyone to join the program and rate 10 out 10 for my overall satisfaction and experience. The accommodation, food and transportation all service was Excellent. The project staff members works very very hard and does their great job.

CATHERINE FRANK HENSEN, U.K

THEATRE VOLUNTEER WORK

My experience in a VWI theater workshop was – how can I put it so that I fully express it? – brilliant. As an aspiring artist, it is always great to get the chance to do what I love the most and at the same time help people by doing it. I worked with the children in a school from Jaipur, India. At the end of my volunteering work there, the children performed in front of their teachers and colleagues at the school. The work started with our introductions and... Read More

My experience in a VWI theater workshop was – how can I put it so that I fully express it? – brilliant. As an aspiring artist, it is always great to get the chance to do what I love the most and at the same time help people by doing it. I worked with the children in a school from Jaipur, India. At the end of my volunteering work there, the children performed in front of their teachers and colleagues at the school.
The work started with our introductions and at the beginning I had no way of knowing how talented the children would be, but I soon found that out. Some of them were really good at dancing so we practiced a traditional dance and 2 modern dances. Some of them had good acting skills so they learned the roles for a drama. During the 2 weeks that I have spent there, the children and I had a good time; we laughed, learned new things, bonded and discovered more about ourselves. I was received there with joy and it always felt like home. Even though they don’t have the facilities that a theater workshop from a developed country has, they still try to do their best and give good performances for their friends, colleagues and teachers.
I am glad I got the chance to do this. I discovered that no matter the place, the conditions of life, talent can be found. It is better for people who look for talent not to disconsider a place just because it is poor. And it would be nice if the talented children that I encountered there with the help of VWI would get a better chance in life and people would help them develop their skills.

Maria, Spain

If you are interested in this project then contact us to be a part of Volunteering With India